Current Affairs - State

Maharashtra has approved the Bembla River Irrigation Project in Yavatmal district with a budget of ₹4,775 crore to bring 52,423 hectares under assured irrigation. The initiative aims to improve crop productivity, support crop diversification, enhance farmer incomes, and reduce agrarian distress in drought-prone areas of eastern Maharashtra. Alongside irrigation reforms, the state government also approved the creation of MAHIMA, an agency focused on providing overseas employment opportunities for skilled youth. Together, these measures are expected to boost rural development, strengthen agricultural infrastructure, and enhance livelihood opportunities in Maharashtra.

Maruti Suzuki is investing ₹35,000 crore to establish a mega car manufacturing plant in Gujarat, specifically in Khoraj near Gandhinagar. The plant will have an annual capacity of 10 lakh vehicles, with production starting in FY29 across four units, each producing 2.5 lakh cars per year. This initiative is expected to generate over 12,000 direct jobs and significant indirect employment, further strengthening Gujarat’s position as a key automobile hub. The investment aligns with the Make in India vision, supporting industrial growth, technological advancement, and regional economic development in Gujarat.

The second nationwide survey for riverine and estuarine dolphins under Project Dolphin commenced in Uttar Pradesh, starting from Bijnor. Led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the survey aims to assess the population and habitat health of Indus and Irrawaddy dolphins. Phase 1 focuses on the Ganga (Bijnor–Sagar) and Indus rivers, while Phase 2 will cover the Brahmaputra, Ganga tributaries, Sundarbans, and Odisha. This initiative strengthens India’s efforts in biodiversity conservation, river ecosystem management, and the protection of endangered aquatic species, aligning with national and global wildlife preservation goals.

Himachal Pradesh has received approval from the MSME Ministry for the establishment of two new MSME Technology Centres as part of a national expansion initiative. These centres will be set up at Pandoga in Una district and Parwanoo in Solan district, each with an estimated cost of ₹10 crore. The initiative aims to strengthen industrial infrastructure, enhance skill development, and generate employment opportunities in the state. By providing modern technical support, training facilities, and entrepreneurship assistance, the centres are expected to boost manufacturing activity and attract new investments in Himachal Pradesh.

Odisha introduced the ‘Aame Padhiba Aama Bhasare’ scheme as a five-year initiative aimed at strengthening early childhood education by using mother tongues as the medium of learning for children aged three to six years. The programme initially focuses on tribal languages across six districts and relies on trained anganwadi workers supported by audio-visual teaching tools. Alongside this education-focused effort, Odisha also implemented complementary social initiatives, including a 100-day campaign against child marriage and a pilot programme to prevent teenage pregnancy and support young mothers.